Ah, there is no threshold level on the length of a urinal for it to be normal to go in the middle.
Consider a curious fellow on the left or right end; which, if he may find it necessary to feed his interest, looks, what three feet away to find the middle man in a compromising position. The far right man may turn somewhat away and still manage to angle himself away from any possibility of viewing. But it is the middle man that find himself wondering; where may I turn so that I won’t be seen? To the left is the same as to the right. Either way, you’re still in view.
So therefore; never go into the middle regardless of the length.

I think all men to serve in the military. You will get used to peeing right next to someone with no worries. What gets you over this is taking a crap next to someone with no partitions. Yeah, throw modesty out the window in boot camp!

Exactly the thing I meant – essentially a really long bucket with just enough incline to get pee to flow to one end.

and yes, maximisation of distance is the way to go, but if its not very long, and both ends are taken, the correct etiquette is either to come back later or go and find a cubicle.

So what’s the threshold level on the length of a urinal for it to be permissible to go in the middle?

Also, whats the etiquette on hands-washing, does it change when theres a queue for the sinks?

this is a very wide-ranging subject, wonder if theres a thesis to be found in it…

What do you mean by “long trough-style urinal”? You mean like when they don’t actually have separate urinals but a whole contraption that takes the whole wall?

I think the rules are the same – you want to maximize your distance from all the people already using the thing.

So whats the policy for a long trough-style urinal?
You definitely have to go to the ends by preference, and if its not greater than a certain length, the middle spot is a no-go zone, but how much distance does it take?

No! No looking at the other dudes, period. You are allowed to briefly acknowledge the presence of a friend, coworker or a acquaintance with a short glance and a nod – then you go about your own business. :mrgreen:

When you are at the urinal you can look downwards to aim, straight ahead into the tile work on the wall or straight up. If you are at the corner one, you can also stare at the wall on the side. :P

Other important men’s room ettiquette – do not make eye contact with anyone for any purpose or appear to be looking at any other part of anyone except the back, possibly the chest or arms/hands (but *not* if these hands are engaged with the obvious)

And in general, get in, do what you have to and get right the hell out – no loitering

Craig and Ambush – lol!

Elephantman – I actually took the pic myself. ;)

woops forgot the link
http://gamescene.com/The_Urinal_Game_game.html

that reminds me of this.